Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Private Christening For Archie Could Set A New Precedent For Royal Family
For years, the royal family stuck to a strict protocol when it came to christening the newest member of the brood — but unsurprisingly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to stray from tradition after welcoming son Archie in 2019.
While their little boy still wore the royal gown that has been passed down for decades, they opted to keep the ceremony private, releasing just a few select photos from the day.
The Sussexes also didn't announce who the tot's godparents would be.
Their actions may have upset the royal family, but Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie, cohosts of the "Royally Obsessed" podcast, believe they may have "set the precedent" for future royal christenings, meaning new parents may be able to decide whether or not they want their child's ceremony to be public.
Harry and Meghan's daughter Lilibet, who will turn 3 months old on September 4, has yet to have her ceremony, but the royal gurus predicted it will take place next month, and once again, only one or two photos will be made public.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams predicted the event will be held in California, where the Sussexes now live.
"It must be likely that she will be christened in California though there were rumours of a possible christening at Windsor," he shared with The Express. "It seems certain that her christening will be in Meghan’s home state and with the secrecy but without the controversy that surrounded Archie’s christening."
"Harry and Meghan’s relations with the British press went badly downhill when Archie was christened in private and the names of the godparents were not released," he continued. "The Sussexes were emphatic that they intended to do things their own way and so it has proved."
Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank have yet to hold a christening for their son August, who was born in February.
A ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints was set for July, but it was canceled last minute, reportedly due to a health scare.
"One guest tested positive or was pinged for COVID contact and therefore no one else was able to gather," a source told The Sun. "As a result, they called off the service and reception party afterwards at Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew's home. The Queen and Eugenie's parents Fergie and Prince Andrew had all been due to attend."
